Ukthavedeeswarar temple, Tiruthuruthi
Location: Tiruthuruthi (Now known as Kuththalam)
Deity known as: Ukthavedeeswarar, Vedhasuwarar, Sonnavaararivaar
Female Deity: Mughizhaambikai
Pathikam: Tirunaavukarasar -1, Sambandar - 2, Sundarar - 1
Gallery - Tiruthuruthi Temple
How to Reach
This Shiva temple is located at Kutthalam, about 9 kilometers from Mayiladuthurai on the Mayiladuthurai–Kumbakonam route. The temple lies approximately 1 kilometer from the Kutthalam bus stop. By hiring an auto from Kutthalam, devotees can conveniently visit all four nearby temples—Tiruthuruthi, Tiruvelvikkudi, Tiruedirkolpadi, and Tirumananjeri—within half a day.
Temple Address
Tiruthuruthi (Now known as Kutthalam)
Mayiladuthurai Taluk
Mayiladuthurai District
Tamil Nadu
Temple Hours
Morning: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Evening: 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Near by Temples
| 1 | Tiru-Avaduthurai - 7.2 kms | |
| 2 | Tiru-Vazhundur - 7.2 kms | |
| 3 | Tiru-Velvi-Kudi - 3.5 kms | |
| 4 | Tiru-Edirkol-Padi - 4.1 kms | |
| 5 | Tiru-Manancheri - 5.2 kms |
Sthala Purana - The Divine Marriage
Goddess Parvathi, who had assumed the form of a cow, wandered the earthly realm. At Tiruvavaduthurai, She regained Her original divine form. However, the sacred marriage of Shiva and Parvathi did not take place there, as another divine duty awaited the Goddess.
Birth from the Sacred Fire
In accordance with the penance of Sage Bharathama, who was performing austerities at the nearby Kutralam, and by the will of God Shiva, Goddess Parvathi was born as a maiden from the sacrificial fire (yajna kundam).
With the intent of marrying God Shiva, Sage Bharathama's daughter went daily to the river Kaveri and worshipped a Shiva Lingam that she consecrated on a sand mound in the middle of the river. On the eighth day, Shiva emerged from the Linga and held the hand of the Goddess.
Modestly, the Goddess said, "As prescribed in the scriptures, my marriage should be conducted in the presence of my parents and relatives." Shiva replied, "So be it; our marriage shall take place according to your wish." Thereafter, the Goddess reached the sage's ashram.
Sonnavaaru Arivaar
Since He kept His word exactly as He Himself had declared and married the Goddess according to the prescribed rites, He came to be known by the name "Sonnavaaru Arivaar" – He who fulfills His word exactly as spoken.
Sthala Vriksha – Utthala Tree
The sacred tree (Sthala Vriksha) of this temple is the Utthala tree, a variety of the Athi (fig) tree. When Shiva manifested as Manavala Nathar to marry the Goddess, this tree spread itself like a canopy, offering shade for the divine wedding.
Sacred Paadhukas
Even today, two sacred sandals (paadhukas) can be seen beneath this tree. Hence, this place came to be known as Utthala Vanam, which later transformed linguistically into Kuthalam.
Thurutthi – An Island in the Middle of the River
This place now known as Kuthalam was referred to as Thurutthi during the period when the Thevaram hymns were sung. The term Thurutthi means an island located in the middle of a river.
Tirunavukkarasar refers to this place as Tiru-Thuruthy. This reference indicates that this place must have been an island in the middle of the River Kaveri during the 7th century CE.
Sundarar and the Sundara Theertham
Sundarar also composed a hymn in praise of the deity of this place. Having broken the vow he had made at Thiruvotriyur to Sangili Nachiyar and leaving her, he lost the sight in both his eyes and, weakened in body, came to Tiru-thuruthi. Though he later regained vision in one eye at Kanchipuram, he arrived here in a frail condition and fervently prayed to the deity with deep remorse, seeking forgiveness and divine grace.
The Healing Waters
In response to his earnest prayers, a divine voice graciously directed Sundarar to immerse himself in the lotus tank situated on the temple's northern side, promising a cure for his bodily afflictions. Upon adhering to this divine injunction and emerging from the waters, Sundarar's form was restored to a radiant state, surpassing its former brilliance.
This miraculous recovery led to the tank being subsequently designated as 'Sundara Theertham,' in commemoration of Sundaramurthi Nayanar's healing. A dedicated sannidhi honoring Sundarar now stands on the banks of this reservoir. It was in this context of renewed vitality that Sundarar composed a thevaram, a hymn of praise, extolling both Thiruthuruththi and Thiruveḻvikudi.
Temple Structure
Rajagopuram
The temple stands prominently at the center of the town. The five-tiered Rajagopuram faces west. The temple has two prakaras (enclosures). Upon entering through the gopuram gateway, one encounters the flagstaff (Kodimaram) and the Bali Peetham.
Sthala Vriksha
On the right side stands the Sthala Vriksha, the Utthala tree, along with the pedestal surrounding it.
Ukthavedeeswarar
The sanctum of the presiding deity faces west. Adjacent to it is the sannidhi of the Goddess, facing south. Both sannidhis have their own separate prakarams, allowing devotees to circumambulate them independently.
Thunaivantha Vinayakar
Vinayaka, who accompanied Shiva as a companion when He came to marry the Goddess, is worshipped here as "Thunaivantha Vinayakar". His sannidhi is located in the outer prakara at the south-west corner, along the path leading to the Goddess's sannidhi. Within the inner prakara, devotees can also have darshan of Valanchuzhi Vinayaka.
Other Deities
In the eastern prakara, one can behold Shanmukha, who faces west and captivates devotees with His exquisite beauty. In the north-eastern section of the prakara are the sannidhis of the Navagrahas, Saptarishiswarar, Saneeswarar, Bhairavar, and the Pancha Lingas.
Stucco Sculptures on the Vimana
The sculptures adorning the vimana above the sanctum of the main deity are large in size and rich in artistic beauty worthy of admiration.
Divine Worshippers
Several divine beings and sages have worshipped the presiding deity of this sacred place:
- Agni worshipped here and absolved himself of his sins
- The Saptarishis—Kashyapa, Angirasa, Gautama, Markandeya, Vasishta, Pulastya, and Agastya—worshipped here and attained divine grace
- Surya (the Sun God) worshipped the deity and was blessed
- Sage Bharatha worshipped here and received divine blessings
Gallery - Tiruthuruthi Temple
